Boston Crooner, Mark Mahar moves to The Rat Pack Cafe for 2004.

The Rat Pack Café Presents: Crooner, Mark Mahar to host a 10-week winter series of live music in tribute to The Rat Pack. The Rat Pack Café Framingham, MA. Starts, Jan. 11th

(PRWEB) January 2, 2004 --Twenty-nine year-old Mark Mahar is ending his 15-month residency at Bostons Luckys Lounge, where he was host of the weekly Sinatra Sundays" spotlight series. Mark Mahar and The Al Vega Trio will be dividing their efforts to support the music made popular by legends like Sinatra and his Rat Pack". Al Vega is remaining at Luckys Lounge to host various guest vocalists, while Mr. Mahar is once again performing with his own jazz trio- and before the enthusiasm of Bostons most loyal Rat Pack Fans (10 Sundays at The Rat Pack Café, starting January 11th).

The Rat Pack Cafe was opened in October of 1998 to celebrate the lifestyles of Frank and friends- Fine food, great wine and spirits, music and friendships. On the menu, the restaurant holds the quote, "You've got to enjoy living baby, because dying is a pain in the ass", which sums up what this cafe' is all about.

"I found Big Band music and dropped DooWop/Rock & Roll faster than you can say 'ring-a-ding'. After 10 years, the genre is now my best pally... pally. The Rat Pack embodied everything that was cool about the scene. They didnt invent 'cool', but they sure did perfect it. If I need to, Ill spend my whole career going back in time. Fine by me.

"After working with the Al Vega Trio for a year (lets face it, legends that have worked with legends), it leaves me with a pretty short vocabulary...memorable for sure. Als band gave us a reputation that enticed headliners and celebrities to visit regularly. I have had the privilege of sharing the Luckys Lounge stage with names like Buddy Greco and exceptional local artists (Alex MacDougal, Gwen Leathers).

"Ron Della Cheisa on WPLM radio and the local press have all been kind to us...I think they believe us when we tell them 'we love what were doing.

"I returned to Boston after 6 months in Vegas. There was something missing in 'sin city'. I got the sense that Vegas had dismissed its history. Im a jazz singer- even though taking the stage as Ace Ventura, Pet Detective" and co-producing an original show was a total gas- Im a singer first, actor second. If I can be frank, (or at least Dino...hehe), The Rat Pack Café is more Vegas" than Vegas right now. Im happy to be home and working with my own team again. Ill miss Al and the band, but I can always drop in on them at Remingtons some Wed. night. Yes, I have his approval (smiling nervously). Hes 82 and played with Sinatra- what he says goes!

"I expect to create an expansion of our successful format by drawing on more of my own influences, including Dean Martin, Sammy, and Bobby Darin, while renewing the energy of my own band again.

"Cmon- a cool joint, my great friends playing behind me as we pay homage to my favorite artists, and in the company of some serious Rat Pack fans...that is my definition of 'old school cool baby.

"I have always been respectful of my success, but now I just feel damn lucky. A Makers me [Mark] on the rocks and its show time! Las... what???" -- Mark Mahar

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Sponsored in part by Pommery Champagne, Mark Mahar will perform his signature vocal impressions and comedy every Sunday night:
Jan. 11th- March 21st
Doors open @ 6pm for food and beverage.
Music from 8pm-12am

This kid sings so good, I want to punch him in the throat" -- Big Band Legend, Buddy Greco

Jennifer Kitchin, Freelance Writer
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